Flexible Ring Lens Mounting for Precise Barrel Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical assembly techniques face challenges in achieving high precision centering of optical elements within barrels due to manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion mismatches, with current methods either being cost-effective but low in precision or requiring expensive equipment and time for high precision.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly utilizing a flexible ring with biased and compressible states, where the ring threads engage barrel threads to secure optical elements, minimizing centering errors through self-centering capabilities and resilient deformation, allowing for precise alignment and secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the drop-in technique with a threaded retaining ring is used to mount an optical element in a barrel, then the assembly time is short and the lenses are removable, but the centering precision is lower due to manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the retaining ring from rigid to flexible/compressible. The retaining ring is designed with a compressible portion that allows it to deform elastically during assembly, enabling it to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion while maintaining precise centering. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by allowing quick assembly like the drop-in technique while achieving high centering precision through the flexible material property.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring incorporates a compressible portion that acts as a cushioning element before final assembly. This compressible section absorbs dimensional variations and thermal expansion differences between the barrel and optical element, providing beforehand compensation for potential centering errors. The cushioning effect maintains precise alignment while allowing for quick, tool-free assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If active alignment is used to achieve high centering accuracy, then the centering precision is very high, but expensive equipment is required and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible retaining ring with its compressible portion provides self-centering capability. When the ring is inserted into the barrel, the compressible section deforms elastically and automatically positions the optical element at the center of the barrel cavity without requiring external alignment equipment or manual adjustment. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for expensive active alignment equipment and reduces alignment time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible portion of the retaining ring acts as an intermediary element between the rigid barrel and the optical element. This flexible intermediary absorbs dimensional mismatches and automatically mediates the positioning to achieve precise centering without requiring external alignment tools or time-consuming adjustment procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If tighter manufacturing tolerances are applied to achieve higher centering precision, then the centering accuracy improves, but the manufacturing costs of both lens and barrel increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the retaining ring to be flexible and compressible rather than rigid. This parameter change allows the use of standard manufacturing tolerances for both the barrel and optical element while still achieving high centering precision. The compressible portion compensates for dimensional variations, eliminating the need for costly tight tolerances and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring is designed as a flexible component with a compressible portion, allowing it to deform elastically to accommodate dimensional variations in the barrel and optical element. This flexible design compensates for manufacturing tolerances without requiring tight tolerances on the rigid components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining high centering precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The flexible ring system enhances centering precision, reduces manufacturing costs, and minimizes decentering and tilt errors, providing a cost-effective and efficient method for achieving high precision optical element alignment within optical assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible ring is resiliently deformable to a compressed state in which an engagement of the ring threads and barrel threads allows screwing of the flexible ring within the cavity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3C
AI summary
An optical assembly is provided where an optical element is mounted in the cavity of a barrel. A flexible ring is in contact with one of the surfaces of the optical element. The flexible ring has ring threads engaging barrel threads within the cavity. The flexible ring has a biased state in which the ring threads press against the barrel threads, and is resiliently deformable to a compressed state allowing screwing of the flexible ring within the cavity. In one variant, multiple subassemblies each having an optical element and a flexible ring are provided in the cavity of a barrel. The optical elements of subassemblies subsequent to the first one are supported by the flexible ring of the previous subassembly. Advantageously, the pressing of the ring threads against the barrel threads prevents a lateral shift of the flexible ring within the cavity, eliminating the decentering observed with conventional retaining rings.